• Lifestyle
    • Faith
    • Minimalism
    • Zero Waste
    • Home
    • Motherhood & Family
    • Health & Wellness
    • Travel
  • Food
    • Raw Food
    • Vegetarian
    • Smoothies
    • Desserts
    • Clean Eating
    • What I Eat In A Day
  • DIY
    • Facial Cleanser
    • Facial Moisturizer
    • Facial Mask
    • Eye Cream/Serum
    • Lip Balm
    • Hair Cleanser
    • Hair Rinse
    • Hair Leave-In/Styler
    • Beauty Oil/Butter
    • Beauty Mist/Toner
    • Natural Fragrance
    • Deodorant
    • Nail Care
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Curly Hair Regimen
    • Healthy Hair Tips
    • Chemical-Free Series/Hair
    • Skin
    • Acne
    • Principles
    • Chemical-Free Series/Skin
  • Style
    • Modesty
    • Wardrobe Simplified
    • My Capsule Wardrobe
  • SHOP
  • About
    • Beauty Regimen
    • My Personal Testimony
    • My Minimalist Home
    • Testimonials

Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

Reduce, Reduce, Reduce

September 22, 2015 by Dawn Michelle

We’ve heard “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” so often that I wonder if some people just ignore the phrase and go about their business.  In this motto, I believe that “reduce” is the most life changing of them all.  When we reduce what we bring into our lives as a whole, we become clear about what we really need and what we actually use.

It is having what we need, use, and love that brings us peace of mind, not insatiably wanting more things.

Now is the perfect time to reevaluate the areas in our lives where we can reduce unnecessary things.  Minimalist living is only owning what you actually need and use that also brings absolute joy.  Finding your own personal balance with this is key.  You want to feel free from materialism, not deprived.  As you begin to reduce your possessions, it will become easier as you go.  This is especially true as you acknowledge all of the things that don’t add bliss into your life.

Every possession that we own holds an energy.  Some of it is actually stagnant energy that we don’t even realize until we move it out of our space.

Clutter can disrupt the chi in your living space as well as in life by unconsciously draining your energy.  Although tackling clutter can feel like an intense therapy session, the rewards are limitless.  Instead of putting so much energy into having things, organizing them, and getting more, this same energy can go towards creativity, our relationships, and incredible life experiences.

Reducing possessions allows new space for abundant prosperity, clarity, new ideas, and invaluable time.

Abundant time and clarity are two of the most invaluable manifestations that I have gained from living a minimalist lifestyle.  By removing all of the insane distractions, I have observed everything that was bringing me down and decided to choose something different.  I have released previous unpaid obligations where I was overworking and bringing resentment into the situation because of it.  I’ve put projects aside that have not been successful, and cleared out the space for new ideas to be born.

I’ve let go of jobs that brought more sadness, frustration, and tears, than the paycheck was worth once other projects finally blossomed.

The clarity and faith to choose another path would not have been possible for me if I had never really looked at what was actually vital to my own true happiness.  I used to believe it had to do with having more of what “she” had.  Now I know it has everything to do with only owning what brings me pure bliss.  Her bliss may not be what will really bring me true joy anyway!

“Reduce, Reduce, Reduce” is the honest and rewarding minimalist philosophy.

(Image by Dawn Michelle)

Stay Connected with Minimalist Beauty & Subscribe with bloglovin’. Also Join the Community on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. For more about Dawn Michelle go here!

Share

Facebook Google+ Twitter Pinterest Email

You might also like...

Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Sandy says

    September 22, 2015 at 8:41 pm

    This resonates with me.

    I’ve known people to take all they have and then toss it out, to only start buying new things (thinking that they are doing a minimalist style) But then they start adding new things a few things at a time. Underlying this apparent minimalist look is actually staying in the acquiring mode.

    That said, I’m not implying there is anything wrong with getting new things, but it seems that true creativity is nurtured, first, if you think about “reducing” before acquiring towards minimalism.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 24, 2015 at 2:56 pm

      Hi Sandy,
      Thanks so much for your comment! I always love to read what you have to say. Hope all is well!

      Reply
  2. Mia says

    September 22, 2015 at 11:03 pm

    I’ve been getting rid of things. Every time I feel better about it. I’m moving at the end of next month and am overwhelmed. I’m hoping to feel some of the benefits you describe.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 24, 2015 at 2:58 pm

      Hi Mia,
      Good luck with your move and kudos for clearing out! Moving can feel extremely overwhelming. I shared a few things I did to elevate some of my own stress with my last move here. I hope this is helpful!

      Reply
  3. Kiss & Make-up says

    September 23, 2015 at 3:28 am

    This is exactly what I’ve been doing last week: getting rid of needless possessions. And it felt SO good.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 24, 2015 at 2:59 pm

      Hi Kiss & Make-up,
      Yes it does feel amazing! Good for you!!!

      Reply
Previous
Next
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

I met a woman the other day who openly shared some I met a woman the other day who openly shared some of her challenges with motherhood.  Motherhood is intensely challenging, beyond humbling, and at times you just want the day to be over then realizing that you’ll be back at it the next day.  It never ends and there isn’t much reprive.  It’s been on my heart to share some encouragement to any mother who will read this.  I pray this will bless you in some way.  The link is in my profile!
🌻 #motherhood #encouragement #humility #minimalistbeauty
Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a m Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a multitude of medicinal properties along with being a prominent spice in many cultural dishes.  For starters, fenugreek seeds are packed with protein for strengthening strands, mucilage for moisturizing and soothing the scalp while detangling the hair, and most importantly nicotinic acid which may minimize hair shedding while soothing scalp issues.  Fenugreek seeds are also anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal which is beneficial for soothing a dry irritated scalp as well as high in iron. 🍂

These little seeds are a win win for natural hair care and can be used in various ways.  I’ve used fenugreek seeds in my beauty regimen on and off for years.  Today I wanted to share four easy ways you can incorporate fenugreek in your hair regimen to promote healthy hair growth.  The link is in the profile. 🍂

#diyhaircare #naturalhair #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
God is so good! We move on FRIDAY. This picture God is so good!  We move on FRIDAY.  This picture was taken before they removed the bricking which was VERY NOISY to say the least.  We haven’t been completely able to avoid the beginning of the construction process, but I honestly think it’s a good thing.  This way we can remain GRATEFUL throughout the entire process.  GRATITUDE during LIFE’S IMPERFECTION develops CONTENTMENT.  That is one thing I work on daily.  If you missed our “We’re Moving Again” testimony it’s on the blog. 🌿🍁🍃

 #testimony #sharewhatisgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the wee Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the week.  I make muffins for Saturday’s breakfast (either corn bread, pumpkin, or banana bread muffins) to have with fruit, a big crockpot dinner for the weekend (beans & rice bowls, lentils and sweet potato stews, or a big veggie and red potato stew) to serve with bread, tortillas, grains, and/or salad depending on the dish, and I’m usually putting orders together to go out for @iamazuha today too.  All the while I’m also making other food for the day. 🍂🥧🍁

Friday’s are crazy because of the usual responsibilities, but mainly because I really want to relax a bit over the weekend.  Over this past year I’ve worked really hard to create systems to make working from home and being a homemaker easier.  Homemaking really is like running a small boutique bed and breakfast hotel.  It takes planning ahead, having a solid system, financial planning, commitment, and a lot of love.  I’ve been learning to really enjoy this process.  Just like everybody else I’ve been baking more this year than ever.  Very rewarding. 🍂🥧🍁

Wishing all of you a beautiful and blessed weekend! 
💞Dawn Michelle
We’re MOVING again! With everything going on wi We’re MOVING again!  With everything going on with the world wide pandemic, I’m seeing the importance of sharing anything good that the Lord is doing in your life with others.  We need HOPE.  We need to share the JOY of walking with God.  The testimonies of glorifying God would just add encouragement that I know I need.  I LOVE hearing of God making ways out of no way, giving us more hope and FAITH. 🌿🍂🍃

I was initially praying to God for ways to endure what we were about to go through while somehow someway making it nice for my family during the process.  But God was already orchestrating a new way for us to not even have to endure it at all.  Read my testimony on Minimalist Beauty... (link in profile) 🌿🍂🍃

If God has done ANYTHING in your life no matter how small PLEASE share it in the comments below.  We all need to hear what’s good!  The news shares otherwise, but we can create a space here of good testimonies.  Please share below and I pray you are having a blessed day. 🌿🍂🍃

Much love!
#testimony #sharewhatsgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
We could all use an IMMUNE BOOST right now.  Here’s a simple juice recipe that I make for just that.  I call it SPICY APPLE JUICE and my three (almost four) year old drinks it up no problem! 🍎 

I simply juice 2 WHOLE medium/large APPLES (3 small apples pictured) + 3 CLOVES of GARLIC in a slow masticating juicer for one immune boosting serving.  Yes I do include the core as it has many health benefits. 🍎 

After having my 1st official winter back on the east coast last year, RAW GARLIC was how I made it through without getting sick at all while caring for sick family members. 🍎 

Since then I juice garlic in many of my juice recipes or mince up multiple cloves as dinner toppings for chickpea pasta, beans and rice bowls, and stews.  What I LOVE most of all is hearing my son say, “More Juice?” Proud Mama!!!! 🍎

#immuneboost #juicing #juicerecipe #simplenutrition #healthyliving #minimalistbeauty #minimalistbeautyeats
I started wearing linen clothing because it’s ex I started wearing linen clothing because it’s extremely practical.  Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics on the market.  Linen is also considered the world’s strongest natural fabric.  After tiring of purchasing new clothing every season for my heavily worn small capsule wardrobe, it just made sense to look for mid and heavy weight linen garments that could be worn year round and layered that actually lasted. 
🍃

Linen clothing can last up to 2-3 decades if properly cared for.  I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but have finally found a simple method for caring for my linen garments. (Link in profile.)
🍃
#linenlover #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I wear hair buns 95% of the time, and my hair care routine only got simpler with only two “products”. All the details plus why I really cut my hair last spring on the blog.  Much love!  #minimalistbeauty #curlyhairroutine #naturalhaircare

Copyright 2021 Minimalist Beauty | Site design handcrafted by Station Seven